DGI – STORAGE & HANDLING: STRUCTURAL BEAMS
Buyer Protection
Congratulations on your purchase of your DGI GLULAM beam/s.
You can be assured that your beams are of the highest quality having been manufactured to the exacting standards of AS/NZS 1328 and AS/NZS 1491.
Being timber (a natural product) your beams are subject to change in atmospheric conditions, and therefore requires some care in handling and storage.
DGI GLULAM is warranted free from manufacturing defects and the performance of the product is guaranteed providing the conditions relating to handling and onsite storage are adhered to. It is also assumed that your beams have been properly designed for the loads they are to carry.
Because we have no control over installation of your DGI GLULAM beams, this guarantee does not cover any part of the installation / erection process.
On receipt of your DGI GLULAM beams we suggest you examine the product and advise your supplier in writting within 48 hours if there is any inconsistency to your order.
Natural timber features and variations in colour and texture of the wood and/or laminates are not considered defects.
Handling / Transport
Your DGI GLULAM beams should only be top loaded and a suitable protective packaging should be used to avoid damage to the face or edges by chains, ropes or slings.
Care should be taken when lifting to avoid damage and that undue stresses do not occur. Spreader bars should be used on lifting equipment, particularly when handling long slender beams.
DGI GLULAM beams should not be dropped, jarred or dragged during unloading from a truck or at a site. Such treatment can cause damage to the surface and possible splitting and structural weakening.
Onsite Storage
On recept of your DGI GLULAM beams it is essential that they are to be stored in a way that they are protected from the weather and from areas that are subject to extreme changes in humidity.
DGI GLULAM beams are made using exterior glue, but still retain the physical characteristics of the parent timber and consequently, durability is similar to the species from which they are made.
As with any kiln dried product they should remain fully protected from the weather until installation has been completed and the building ‘roofed in’.
If you are storing your DGI GLULAM beams in the open prior to installation, they should be covered with a tarpaulin and placed flat on gluts 200mm off the ground. When storing beams on top of each other, spacers should be used to allow air to circulate. In high humidity situations any plastic wrapping should be slit to prevent sweating.
PROTECTION DURING CONSTRUCTION
As with storage, DGI GLULAM beams need to be protected from weather elements during installation and construction.
Regardless of the appearance required, DGI GLULAM beams should be properly envelope sealed with suitable sealer or paint protector prior to erection. At least three coats should be applied with a light sand between coats to remove raised fibres. Particular attention should be paid to sealing the end grain. Any fresh cut should immediately be resealed.
During construction they may also be covered with a non transparent plastic or similar which should be open at the bottom so as to allow moisture to escape.
If your beams are left without proper protection, natural weathering may occur: this could include a change of colour and the opening of small shakes, etc. If appearance quality is required, then it may necessitate some sanding and filling prior to final finishing.
Should your beams be exposed permanently or if construction will take longer than normal (around 6 weeks), then please contact your supplier or DGI for further advice. If the end of your beam will be exposed to the weather, such as protruding through a wall, then an end cap should be used.
With structural members, notching or drilling of holes may seriously reduce the strength of the beam. Unless the beam has been specifically designed to allow for such, the practice should be avoided. Where birdsmouths, cross section reductions at overhang, or taper cuts are required, please refer to AS1684 or check with DGI or your engineer.